Councilor Vicente Francisco Escolano Mateo announced from City Hall on Wednesday that he is stepping away from the Ciudadanos municipal group. He will continue serving as a councilor without party affiliation until his current term ends rather than joining another party or forming a new bloc inside the council. The move marks a significant shift for Petrer’s local government and for Ciudadanos as a political force in the area.
Escolano Mateo, who stood for election in the 2019 local polls as the second candidate on Ciudadanos’ list for Petrer, submitted official paperwork today to remove his name from the municipal group’s register. By doing so, he becomes an unaffiliated councilor, technically independent of any party caucus within the city council while he completes his mandate. The formal declaration is effective immediately in terms of council records, though it leaves open questions about how he will participate in future votes and debates that shape municipal policy.
The decision to leave Ciudadanos was explained by the councilor as a response to persistent disagreements with the party leadership, both at the local level in Petrer and within the regional leadership structure. He cited what he described as deep inconsistencies that erode trust and complicate collaborative governance. In his view, those tensions made it difficult to advance a shared program with the party, prompting the choice to depart from the municipal group while maintaining his seat for the remainder of the term.
With his departure, Escolano Mateo stands as the sole remaining Ciudadanos councilor in Petrer. The departure leaves Petrer’s council with a clearer picture of party representation and raises questions about the political balance and future strategy for Ciudadanos in the town. Previously, the electoral lineup placed Victor Sale Navarro at the top of the Ciudadanos list, followed by Vicente Francisco Escolano Mateo, Fini Martinez, Carmen Rizo, and Gaspar Barrachina. That hierarchy now takes on new significance as the council adjusts to the absence of the party’s formal bloc in the chamber.
Observers say the move could have ripple effects on local policy agendas, budget negotiations, and interparty cooperation on municipal projects. When a councilor switches to unaffiliated status, questions often arise about committee assignments, voting alignment on key issues, and the potential for cross-party coalitions to move forward on shared priorities. In Petrer, where council dynamics have historically reflected broader national currents, Escolano Mateo’s decision adds another layer to the ongoing discussion about how minor parties adapt to changing political landscapes and how independents shape city governance.
Regardless of party status, the councilor has emphasized a commitment to serving the interests of Petrer residents. In public statements accompanying his formal filing, he underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in council deliberations and promised to participate in debates with the same rigor and dedication that characterized his tenure within Ciudadanos. The public response from constituents has been mixed, with some residents expressing support for a councilor who prioritizes local concerns over party allegiance, while others question the implications for party leadership and the stability of future policy plans in Petrer.
As the municipal calendar proceeds, the council will continue to conduct its business under the new arrangement. The absence of a formal Ciudadanos caucus on the dais invites other groups and independent voices to engage more directly with the issues facing Petrer, from urban development and infrastructure to social services and community programs. The evolving balance of power in the chamber will be watched closely by residents, party organizers, and local commentators who track how such changes affect the delivery of services and the pace of reform in the town.